Luminescent (Inheritance Cycle and Beyond)

Chapter Twenty-Five: Iridescent

"They were conscripted. We can only hope that the men who were torn from their homes won't be eager to fight. If we can frighten them badly enough, they may break ranks and flee. Our numbers are greater than in Farthen Dûr, for King Orrin has joined forces with us and we have received a veritable flood of volunteers since we began to spread the word about you, Eragon, although we are still far weaker than the Empire."

"What do you think our chances of victory are?"

"That," Nasuada said, putting emphasis on the word, "depends a great deal upon you and Eragon, and the number of magicians seeded through-out their troops. If you can find and destroy those magicians, then our enemies shall be left unprotected, and you can slay them at will. Outright victory, I think, is unlikely at this point, but we might be able to hold them at bay until their supplies run low or until Islanzadí can come to our assistance. That is... if Galbatorix doesn't fly into battle himself. In that case, I fear retreat will be our only option."

"He won't," I said sternly. "Trust my word. My father will not be flying today." Nasuada nodded as a dark-haired girl walked up to Eragon.

"Welcome, Shadeslayer. Welcome, Saphira."

"Who are you?"

Eragon took the girl's right hand in his own. In the ancient language, Eragon said, "I am sorry. Can you forgive me for what I did to you?"

The girl's eyes softened, and she leaned forward and kissed Eragon's forehead.

"I forgive you, how could I not? You and Saphira created who I am, and I know you meant no harm. I forgive you, but I shall let this knowledge torture your conscience: You have condemned me to be aware of all the suffering around me. Even now your spell drives me to rush to the aid of a man, not three tents away who just cut his hand, to help the young flag carrier who broke his left index finger in the spokes of a wagon wheel, and to help countless others who have been or are about to be hurt. It costs me dearly to resist those urges, and even more if I consciously cause someone discomfort, as I do by saying this... I cannot even sleep at night for the strength of my compulsion. That is your legacy, O Rider."

"You don't have to live like this forever," Eragon replied. "The elves taught me how to undo a spell, and I believe I can free you of this curse. It won't be easy, but it can be done." For a moment, the girl seemed to lose her formidable self-control. A small gasp escaped her lips, her hand trembled against Eragon's, and her eyes glistened with a film of tears. Then just as quickly, she hid her true emotions behind a mask of cynical amusement.

"Well, we shall see. Either way, you shouldn't try until after this battle."

"I could save you a great deal of pain."

"It wouldn't do to exhaust you when our survival may depend on your talents. I do not deceive myself; you are more important than me." A sly grin crossed her face. "Besides, if you remove your spell now, I won't be able to help any of the Varden if they are threatened. You wouldn't want Nasuada to die because of that, would you?"

"No. Very well, I will wait. But I swear to you: If we win this fight, I shall right this wrong."

"I will hold you to your word, Rider." I turned my head to see Nasuada standing up from her chair.

"Elva was the one who saved me from an assassin in Aberon."

"Did she? In that case, I am in your debt... Elva... for protecting my liegelord."

"Come now," Nasuada said. "I must introduce the four of you to Orrin and his nobles. Have you met the king before, Orik?" The dwarf shook his head.